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Board recognizes WISE program; students describe job and community skills
Summary
Students and staff from the district’s WISE program (Work skills, Independent living, Social skills, Educational skills) presented classroom and community activities; board members praised the program and invited follow‑up visits.
Director Kinch invited staff and students from the district’s WISE program to present highlights and community partnerships.
Alice Alleman, a WISE teacher, described the program as serving students aged 18 to 21 who remain district students while they work on post‑secondary goals in community settings and collaborative classrooms. She said the program operates hubs at Rise Church and in coordination with Portland Community College–Sylvania for community training and classroom experiences.
Two students spoke about their experiences. Hunter Sellers said, “Some of the things I’ve learned at WISE are work skills … my social skills, being respectful towards one another, and independent skills with being in the community.” He described weekly routines that include job‑site experience at PCC, cooking lessons, and community recreation.
Drew, a first‑year WISE student, told the board the program has helped him “learn to be kind to others and kind to myself” and build workplace habits; he said his favorite part of WISE is cooking.
Board members thanked the students and staff. Director Jill said she visited the program and praised the students and staff. Director Miles and others invited the WISE participants to schedule campus visits and applauded the community partnerships the presentation highlighted.
The board’s comments emphasized student courage and the program’s role in preparing young adults for jobs and independent living; the superintendent also noted he has publicized the program at the federal level and may invite elected officials to visit.
